The closest thing to the beach in Chiang Mai! At New Concept Hotel there’s nothing quite like it in Chiang Mai!
[CALL AHEAD – The pool has been open and closed on and off. The hotel remains open as does the fitness centre]
New Concept pool is just incredible for both kids and adults. In fact, the first time I came here I immediately decided to get a babysitter so I could finally, (you know how it is!) have a date night night with my other half here. Keep reading to find out why!
Check out these other fabulous swimming options in Chiang Mai too!
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The New Concept swimming pool
Oh my goodness you have to see this pool to believe it! New Concept’s pool is the closet thing to a beach resort style pool that we have here in Chiang Mai. In fact, it’s even got a faux beach section in the middle where the two enormous pools are connected to each other. The material used even feels a bit like real sand and for an instant you’ll completely forget where you are.
What’s also cool about this pool is that there are plenty of lounge chairs all sitting in the shallow ‘beach’ water so you feel like you’re almost floating on the water as you relax. Just behind the line of lounge chairs is the ‘adult’ pool. It’s not very deep, just deep enough, to dip and relax in. Some people do laps, others spend their time at the swim up bar 🙂 Yes, that’s right, an actual swim up bar with underwater bar stools and full service!
At the far end of this pool is what I like to refer to as the water jet massage zone. Here, powerful fountain jets of water stream out at just the right angle for a nice back and shoulder massage – for free!
Across from here is the ‘kid’s’ pool. It’s a really large fairly shallow pool where the children can dip and dive, do underwater hand stands and all the other crazy things kids do in a pool. For infants or toddlers, there’s always the shallow beach area to splash around in. They can stand up there in the water and with your help learn to feel comfortable in the water and learn to swim!
The absolute highlight of this pool is the GIANT Jacuzzi! You’ve likely never seen one so big. About 40 people could fit in it! It is heated although the temperature seems to be controlled so that in hot season it’s not very warm and in cold season it is nice and warm. During the evenings, it also lights up with an underwater disco light show. All that’s missing is the club music!
Is there shade?
On the pool itself there is no shade at all, but the tables closet to the Jacuzzi have the most shade. There aren’t many tables though, so it would be a first come, first serve basis. The other seating areas are beside the ‘adult’ pool and are shady only at certain times of the day, although they do have umbrellas to provide with some relief from the sun. Definitely bring hats or even umbrellas to keep the sun off you and the kids if this is a major concern.
I-I-I-I work out! Fitness centre and spa
Fitness centre
New Concept’s got an amazing fitness centre! It’s the nicest one we’ve come across with new machines and a good selection of choice without being intimidating. If you become a member, personal trainers or fitness guides are included!
Spa and sauna
The change room is also really impressive. It’s small, but it has everything you need. There are lockers, a blow dryer, waterfall showers and get this, a sauna! Gotta love that! Or maybe after a workout or a sauna you feel the need for something a little extra; then head up to the 3rd floor to the private spa! Here you can get professional massages to ease any muscle pains or just to relax. Go on, you deserve it.
Membership at New Concept fitness centre, spa, and pool
Membership here is among the most expensive in the city, however, the facilities are also the newest and most impressive. If you go in to inquire, make sure to ask about family memberships. Last time I asked about this and the manager hadn’t thought of it and said he would consider it, so maybe it will be an option in the near future. Monthly rates start at 2,000 baht (promo rate March 2021).
Daily rates are 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for kids.
Food and drink at New Concept Hotel Pool
Food
With new owners, the price for food and drink has significantly decreased! Of course, so too have the food and drink options. You can only choose from chicken nuggets, French fries, cheese balls and fish and chips. It’ all very reasonable from 59-89 baht. You are not allowed to eat outside food or drink here which makes sneaking a snack difficult.
Drink
Beer (in a can) is going to cost you 60 baht and cocktails start at 89 baht and go up from there. They also offer orange juice, soda or Gatorade.
Stay and enjoy a family getaway in Chiang Mai
New Concept Hotel is really more of a serviced apartment. It’s located 15-20 minutes outside the city in Hang Dong but would still be a lovely place to stay with the kids. See what the rooms have to offer on Agoda and if it fits the family travel budget 🙂
How to get to New Concept Hotel, Hang Dong
From the city centre it will take about 20 minutes to get here using Grab or you could take a taxi. Otherwise to drive here you head south of Chiang Mai along the 108 road (Hang Dong road) until you see signs for the Night Safari. Watch out because the left turn you need to take is immediately after the lights which you would turn right at to go towards the Night Safari or Royal Rajapruek Park.
I would suggest turning on your GPS just to make sure you don’t miss the turn. The road also gets a bit funny here where the road splits to make room for a small canal. You want to make sure you are on the right side of the canal. Drive straight and keep your eyes peeled for signs! You can park in the parking lot of the New Concept complex right across from the fitness centre and pool. There is no fee for parking.
Hours: Open daily from 9 am – 8 pm [Monday’s they may be closed now]
Good for ages: 2 and up
Phone: 061 268 7447
Kids Menu: No
High chairs: No
Playground: No
Wheelchair or stroller accessible: No
Child friendly staff: No
Birthday parties: No
Prices: 200 baht per adult 100 baht per child. Tues-Thurs 50% off!
Location: Google Maps
Things to consider
To find other pools around Chiang Mai or near you, have a look at our best pools in Chiang Mai post! It’s often updated with new pools.
